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‘You loved this nation’: Anand Mahindra’s touching farewell to Dr Manmohan SinghAuthor of the touching “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,” Zevin pivots from a love story about reading to one about gaming. Not a gamer? Don’t worry! This novel is so inclusive that it will not hinder your appreciation. Collaboration and synergy propel creators Sam and Sadie through years of discovery, growth, success and heartbreak. They are supported by their best friend, Marx, who quietly wrangles myriad business details and coaxes them back to reality when needed. I liked all the characters, but I loved Marx. Cultural references and gaming jargon anchor this book, but Zevin’s clear writing doesn’t allow us non-gamers to get lost. There are a few loose ends, but not so many that I would hesitate to recommend this book. — Written by Colorado native Helen Phillips, this novel depicts a world where robots and artificial intelligence have become normalized and permeate society in countless ways. Like Margaret Atwood, Phillips draws on science and facts, and she uses that information as her baseline to pull the reader speculatively into, in her own words, “a dark, near future.” The eponymous “hum” refers to the robots and could be derived from the shortened form of “human,” or perhaps from the ubiquitous sound of all electronic devices. But the hum is insidious, manipulative and glibly persuasive. In this novel, Phillips gently asks, “What would do in the face of such tyrannical technology to support and protect your children and their future?” — Some children are able to overcome an abusive, violent childhood, while others are doomed to create chaos as they desperately seek a way out of their difficult circumstances. The young daughter of a mentally ill, drug-addled mother and a charismatic but sadistic drug-dealer father, Wavy struggles with an apparent eating disorder as well as a number of other mental health issues. On top of that, she is the only one around to care for and protect her baby brother. At 8 years old, she helps a young man who works as a strong-arm for her father survive a motorcycle accident, and in turn he is grateful and kind to her, becoming perhaps the only male adult in her life who shows any interest or affection toward her. Wavy becomes quite attached to Kellen, and an obsessive love affair grows between the two as the years go by, becoming sexual at an inappropriate age. Many readers will find this story compelling and thought-provoking; others will be offended by the idea that a child can “groom” a normal person to become a pedophile. Has a crime been committed upon this “innocent” child? Or can a pure, lifelong romantic love happen between a child and a grown man? You decide. — Gamache is back! And he is back in Three Pines, so fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Gamache is back on his game, battling evil forces that would destroy not only Montreal but also much of Quebec and beyond. Will he decipher the breadcrumb trail of clues? Can he shut down the terrorists in time? When should he warn the public, and will that warning scare the terrorists into hiding, biding their time for another crack at destruction? A nail-biter and page-turner, for sure. —By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Check the forecast Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. Related Articles Real Estate | Forino Co. continues its expansion, opens third office Real Estate | Berks County real estate transactions for Dec. 22 Real Estate | Average rate on 30-year mortgage snaps 3-week slide and rises to highest level since late November Real Estate | US home sales hit fastest pace since March with more properties up for sale Real Estate | Gaming and Leisure Properties acquires real estate assets of Bally’s properties First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. Set a budget National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Find a buyer’s agent Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Shop and negotiate Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. Should you buy a house in 2025? If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .
NSW Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. A talented make-up artist who suffered years of pain from endometriosis and survived sexual assault has died aged 27. Samantha Feld-Holmes, whose work has been published internationally in fashion magazine’s like Vogue, was remembered by loved ones who said she is “now at peace”. Her family shared her death in an obituary, asking people to consider donating to Bipolar Australia, Endometriosis Australia and Migraine Australia in lieu of flowers. “Although we will desperately miss her, we know our special girl is now at peace,” the tribute said. Samantha Feld-Holmes had died age 27. Picture: Facebook Ms Feld-Holmes had shared her health issues with followers online, explaining she suffered from severe endometriosis. That condition led her to missing time in education, explaining that her school then refused her “right to continue my HSC” because of her attendance. She said severe period pain affected her life from a young age, and that there were few online resources in her teens to help. The artist had shared her health issues with followers online. Picture: Instagram Speaking about surviving sexual assault and domestic violence on her webite, the artist wrote: “My body no longer keeps your secrets”. Her family have asked people to consider donating to Bipolar Australia, Endometriosis Australia and Migraine Australia in lieu of flowers. Picture: Instagram Ms Feld-Holmes also posted a set of paintings on social media in September that reflected “the luxury and complexity of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder”. “Creating these paintings has been a cathartic experience, allowing me to express the duality of my condition,” she wrote. “Bipolar disorder is often seen as a challenge, but through my art, I want to highlight the unique perspectives and strengths it brings. “It’s about embracing both the highs and the lows, finding balance, and recognizing the luxury of understanding oneself more deeply.” Her social media showed when she wasn’t working, she liked to travel. Picture: Instagram Endometriosis Australia general manager Natalie Rupil described Ms Feld-Holmes’ death as “heartbreaking loss”. “Please know that our thoughts are with you, and we hope you can find comfort in the loving memories of Samantha and the impact she had on those who knew her,” Ms Rupil wrote in response to the obituary published by the family. Another friend wrote: “Sammy, you were so loved. We struggle to believe that this is real. We will love you forever, and never forget you” Ms Feld-Holmes died on November 11. Her cause of death was not shared. More Coverage Aussie author dies after ‘long Covid’ battle Samantha Maiden Huge milestone for 8yo injured in Bali Samantha Maiden Originally published as Talented Sydney-based make-up artist Samantha Feld-Holmes dies age 27 Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Gold Coast ‘Turn a blind eye – you don’t have to watch’ A tower that allows neighbours to see into bathrooms has divided Australia. HAVE YOUR SAY Read more NSW The areas set to cop the most heat as Sydney swelters There are severe heatwave warnings are in place for Sydney and surrounds, forecasts say it will be even hotter on Tuesday and Wednesday. Read which areas will cop the worst of the heat. Read more
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Manmohan Singh: ‘A Technocrat with A Vision,’ Remembered As A Master Of Politics And PolicyCalifornia will revive its own subsidy programs for electric vehicles if Donald Trump guts US federal tax breaks for such cars, the state's governor said Monday. The president-elect has said repeatedly he would scrap what he called the "electric vehicle mandate" -- actually a $7,500 federal rebate for anyone who purchases an EV. Gavin Newsom, who heads the solidly Democratic state and has pitched himself as a leader of the anti-Trump political resistance, said Monday California was not "turning back" towards polluting transport. "We will intervene if the Trump Administration eliminates the federal tax credit, doubling down on our commitment to clean air and green jobs in California," Newsom said. "We're not turning back on a clean transportation future -- we're going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don't pollute," he added. "Consumers continue to prove the skeptics wrong -– zero-emission vehicles are here to stay." If Trump scraps the tax credit, California could revive its own Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which ran until November 2023, granting rebates of up to $7,500 for people buying battery-powered cars, a press release said. California leads the nation in electric vehicle adoption, and is the single biggest market in the country, representing around a third of all units sold in the United States. State figures show that more than two million so-called "zero emission vehicles" -- which include fully electric vehicles as well as plug-in hybrids -- have now been sold in the state, with one-in-four new cars in that category. On the campaign trail, Trump was frequently hostile to electric vehicles, which he has linked with what he calls the "hoax" of climate change. He vowed repeatedly that under his watch the United States would become "energy dominant," chiefly through expanded oil and gas extraction. For many in California, such pledges are anathema, with the state frequently battered by the tangible effects of climate change, from huge wildfires to droughts to furious storms. Newsom -- who many believe has White House ambitions of his own -- has positioned himself as a bulwark against the feared excesses of an incoming Trump administration on issues from climate change to immigration, vowing to be a check on its power. With 40 million people, the sheer size of California's market has for a long time helped set the national tone when it comes to pollution standards for automakers. Rather than make two versions of the same vehicles, Detroit giants have willingly adopted California's tougher rules on emissions and efficiency for nationwide sales. That de facto standard-setting power has angered Republicans like Trump, who say -- on this issue -- states should not be allowed to set their own rules. hg/aha
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) has the potential to boost 99.6 per cent of Indian exports with market access to European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and drive $100 billion investment, the government said on Saturday. This was conveyed during the visit of a delegation led by Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce to Norway on Friday, aimed at furthering the objectives of TEPA which was signed in March this year. The Commerce Secretary highlighted unprecedented opportunities for Norwegian industry as the Indian economy rises from being the fifth largest economy to becoming the third largest economy in the world over the next three-four years, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Barthwal met Tomas Norvoll, State Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries of Norway to discuss promoting trade and investments, mobility for Indian professionals, re-energising existing institutional mechanisms and next steps for the TEPA ratification. The Commerce Secretary also called on HE Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry and HE Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services. The visit also included discussions with business stakeholders including Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (NHO), Innovation Norway, Shipbuilders Association, Raeder Bing Law Firm and leaders and CEOs of several large Norwegian companies. These firms represented diverse sectors, in particular, renewable energy, shipping industry, consumer goods, green hydrogen, textiles, seafood, mining, Information technology and other sectors of mutual interest. India signed TEPA with four developed nations - Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein — which is an important economic bloc in Europe. The agreement will give a boost to ‘Make in India’ and provide opportunities to the young and talented workforce, according to the government. EFTA is offering 92.2 per cent of its tariff lines which covers 99.6 per cent of India’s exports. The EFTA’s market access offer covers 100 per cent of non-agri products and tariff concession on processed agricultural products (PAP). India is offering 82.7 per cent of its tariff lines which covers 95.3 per cent of EFTA exports. India has offered 105 sub-sectors to the EFTA and secured commitments in 114 from Norway. TEPA is expected to accelerate the creation of a large number of direct jobs for India’s young aspirational workforce in the next 15 years in India, including better facilities for vocational and technical training. (IANS) Also read: Also Watch:Japan’s discovery of precious metals can easily beat Chinese dominance in..., the metals are...
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